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That trip up to Middlesbrough, while it may not have yielded a positive result, should nevertheless provide a gentle nudge that this is a man with pedigree; someone worth affording time to.

The Boro supporters could no doubt tell you that much.

2. Better from Barrie

Millwall had been a day to forget for Barrie McKay. Handed a rare start at The Den on Good Friday, he didn’t exactly grasp his chance and you wondered how much more we were likely to see of him before the end of the season.

The winger was relegated to the bench at the Riverside, but came on for the final half hour and looked much brighter.

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Just as they had against Millwall, the Reds had been briefed on exactly what to expect on Saturday.

They knew what was coming. They knew how Boro would look to hurt them. And yet, just as a week or so earlier, they didn’t deal with it.

Set-pieces had been an Achilles’ heel for Forest under Mark Warburton, and the issue reared its head again at the weekend.

The visitors struggled to clear their lines. A previously rock-solid defence went to jelly when balls were pumped into the box. Corners, throw-ins and free-kicks caused problems – and led to goals for the opposition.

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Tobias Figueiredo proved he is human after all, with something of dip in standard, while central defensive partner Danny Fox didn’t show the kind of form which had earned him a new contract.

An off-day all round.

It’s one which the back line will need to quickly put behind them, though, and make sure they heed their manager’s warnings in the last few games.

4. It’s not over just yet

Six games to go, nine points above the relegation zone, Forest cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal. The table isn’t looking quite as comfortable as they would like.

It is going to take a monumental effort from those right at the bottom – and a dire final run from the Reds – to put Karanka’s side in real danger. But they could do with easing any worries as quickly as possible.

Get another win on the board and everyone will be able to breathe that little bit easier. Upcoming home games against Brentford and Ipswich Town would be a great place to start.

Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing makes it 2-0 (Image: Dan Westwell)

Nevertheless, it just goes to show Forest cannot afford to be complacent.

If there are any players in the squad with one eye already on their summer holiday, they should take a quick glance at where the club are in the league.